Practice Manager / Chief Operating Officer Law Practice Farringdon £competitive Executive summary The Practice Manager will play a critical role in enabling Heads of Department to deliver effectively on their accountabilities, as set out in the firm’s Heads of Responsibilities and Actions framework. This role strengthens financial discipline, enhances operational rigour, supports pricing and resource management, and ensures department-level alignment with firmwide strategy. This position is designed for a proactive, commercially minded professional with experience in a professional services environment. Key responsibilities Financial Discipline & Reporting Support HoDs in preparing, monitoring and controlling departmental budgets. Produce regular financial and operational reports. Identify trends requiring HoD action. Assist in developing and monitoring KPIs. Pricing, Profitability & Matter Economics Support HoDs on pricing decisions. Work with Finance on AFAs, budgeting, and profitability reviews. Maintain pricing tools and templates. Resource Management & Work Allocation Support workforce planning, utilisation tracking and capacity reviews. Facilitate commercially appropriate work allocation. Liaise with HR on recruitment and integration of new joiners. Business Planning & Strategic Alignment Support HoDs in translating firm strategy into departmental objectives. Coordinate annual business-planning cycles. Track progress against annual objectives. Operational Excellence & Process Improvement Streamline departmental workflows. Recommend operational improvements. Introduce project‑management disciplines. People, Talent & Performance Support Support professional development and performance processes. Monitor morale, engagement, and training initiatives. Communication & Stakeholder Management Liaise between HoDs, support functions and COO/CFO. Prepare departmental reports and management updates. Knowledge, skills and experience Previous experience working in a law firm preferable, but not required. Project management (qualification not required). Good attention to detail. Accurate and thorough. Strong financial literacy. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Strong and consistent administrative and organisational skills. A team player who is confident sharing information across a broader team. Personal attributes Consistency. Ability to stay calm, structured and reliable under pressure. Sensitivity and discretion handling employee and business data and information. Collaborative approach and an ability to build trust with senior stakeholders. Flexible as regards to time and duties. Flexibility towards new technologies and changes in working practices. Ability to interact with people at all levels. Job title Practice Manager Chief Operating Officer Location Farringdon, London